DAY 1: Sydney, Australia

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers so much—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower. You’re never far from nature in this thriving urban center. Well-known surf beaches, zoos, national parks, whale watching tours, bush tours, and the Royal Botanic Gardens—featuring over 7,500 plants—offer visitors a chance to enjoy the area’s sunshine, lush greenery, wildlife, and clear blue oceans. Sydney is not only Australia’s oldest city, it is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the globe, offering a wealth of cuisines, unique museums, and cultural opportunities. Explore lively pubs, shops, and historic buildings at The Rocks, located on Sydney harbor.

DAY 4: Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Discover indigenous New Zealand Maori culture in a land of sparkling seas and pristine beauty. Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical paradise of clear blue water, hundreds of undeveloped islands, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. The pristine oceans, warm weather, and many animal species attract nature lovers from around the globe. Take an eco-cruise and discover the area’s dolphins, penguins, marlins, whales, and bird life. Journey into a beautiful cave with majestic rock formations and glow worms. Kayak, sail, swim, or sunbathe on one of the many beaches. Those who love beaches consider these in Bay of Islands & New Zealand some of the world’s finest, with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. And as tempted as you’ll be to pull up a lounge chair and soak in the surroundings, many consider a Bay of Islands cruise the ideal time to partake in more active pursuits, such as kayaking, mountain-biking, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving.

DAY 5: Aukland, New Zealand

Experience New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan city—a melting pot of British, Asian, Pacific, and Māori cultures. Your cruise from Auckland allows you to sample their diverse arts, entertainment, and traditions.

An Auckland cruise arrives via one of two ports, either Waitematā Harbour from the Pacific Ocean to the east, or Manukau Harbour from the Tasman Sea to the west. Perched on a skinny isthmus between them is a leafy urban cityscape of beautiful parks and modern buildings, a dramatic landscape molded by volcanoes (now dormant) and the ocean.

Natural landmarks include Auckland Domain, a central park offering great views of Hauraki Gulf; Mount Eden, with 360-degree views from the city’s highest volcanic cone; Mount Victoria, a volcanic cone overlooking downtown from North Shore; and Waiheke Island, a remote site of beaches, forests, vineyards, and olive groves. The hills surrounding the city are cloaked in rainforest.

Man-made landmarks include Sky Tower, offering panoramic views from downtown; Auckland Harbour Bridge, the connection to North Shore; and Auckland Town Hall, which includes a fine concert hall.

DAY 6: Tauranga, New Zealand

Explore this chic coastal town in the North Island and you’ll discover the land of the Māori. Tauranga’s white sand beaches offer something for everyone. Relax and sunbathe on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and popular coasts. Take a dip in the ocean or immerse yourself in a lush waterfall swimming hole. Watch dolphins frolic in the waves or swim with these lovable creatures. Learn to sail, try surfing, take a diving lesson, or refine your fishing technique. Water activities abound in Tauranga. If you’re a landlubber, you can tee up at a golf course on your Tauranga cruise or stroll down The Strand where you can enjoy cafés and a vibrant nightlife. Journey to charming waterfalls or board one of the many eco-cruises available in the Bay of Plenty. Sometimes called the New Zealand Riviera, downtown Tauranga offers galleries, shops, history, and a vibrant café and restaurant scene. The culinary culture brings together innovative chefs working in diverse traditions. Enjoy Italian, Indian, Turkish, Thai, French, and fusion flavors. Sip a hand-crafted drink or enjoy fresh-caught seafood from the Bay of Plenty. From casual al fresco dining to sophisticated New Zealand Riviera gastronomy, Tauranga offers something to tantalize every taste.

DAY 7: Napier, New Zealand

Discover Art Deco architecture, an alluring seaside town, and some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest wineries. Napier’s devastating 1931 earthquake resulted in a magnificent rebuilding effort that makes the city home to the greatest density of Art Deco buildings in the world. Stroll along Napier’s lovely streets and admire the architecture characterized by bold symmetrical shapes, linearity balanced by gentle curves, and sometimes intricate ornamentation. Visit lovely cafés, restaurants, and shops as you explore Napier’s seaside sights. Enjoy a beer, or fish and chips. Take a traditional tea break and sample a Pavlova, a New Zealand dessert of meringue and fresh fruit. Journey outside the city to explore some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wine vintages in Hawke’s Bay. Tour the wineries and enjoy exclusive wine tastings. Bird watchers and eco-tourists can visit Cape Kidnappers to admire the world’s largest gannet nesting site. Explore sheep farms, lush coastal scenery, mountain top lookouts, or just sit back and relax at a café in Napier, taking in the ambiance of another era.

DAY 8: Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is the city of exploration, where urban regeneration and heritage thrive. The city is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. Christchurch is the newest city in the world, and it’s time the world rediscovered its secrets.

The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. Christchurch is the basecamp for South Island exploration, with the Banks Peninsula within reach, as well as the stunning Southern Alps and famed Canterbury Plains.

The surrounding Canterbury region offers visitors unforgettable journeys and picturesque towns, zen-like retreats and thrill-seeking opportunities. Escape to Hanmer Springs for a thermal soak, or north to Kaikōura to encounter the local wildlife. Everything New Zealand has to offer can be found here.

DAY 9: Dunedin, New Zealand

Here in this capital of architectural heritage, you might think your Dunedin cruise had taken you to Edinburgh. The architecture, scenery, and culture—if not the accents—borrow heavily from those in Scotland.

Take a harbor cruise to spot albatrosses, cormorants, and other sea birds. You might even see penguins, dolphins, and seals. In town, stroll the spectacular Dunedin Botanic Garden, discover ancient Maori artifacts in the Otago Museum, or learn all about beer at Speight’s Brewery—touring, tasting, and shopping for beer gear.

Browse several engaging art galleries in the central Octagon neighborhood, also known for bars and cafés. Look for experimental exhibitions at Blue Oyster Gallery, bespoke jewelry at Chris Idour, old masters at Dunedin Public Art Gallery, heritage at Reed Gallery, and New Zealand artists at the De Novo and Milford galleries.

Head inland aboard Taieri Gorge Railway, departing from the charming gingerbread Dunedin Railway Station, for a four-hour excursion past former gold-mining sites.

Venture out to Otago Peninsula and visit 19th-century Larnach Castle—New Zealand’s only castle—perched on a hill overlooking the harbor. Hear stories of scandal, tragedy, and intrigue—all part of its lavish history. Top off your cruise to Dunedin with Highland dancers and bagpipers at Larnach.

DAY 10: Doubtful Sound & Milford, New Zealand

As cold mountain water cascades from the cliffs above Doubtful Sound, it creates an unusual phenomenon-a dual-layered marine ecosystem of fresh and saltwater. This serves as a playground for a number of species, including fur seals and two types of penguins – the fiordland crested and blue penguin.

As we sail into the narrow fjords of the Milford Sound, even your massive ship seems to shrink in comparison to the towering cliffs topped by lush mountain terrain. Situated within Fiordland National Park, this natural wonder is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and is protected by its natural geography, which makes it a haven for all types of wildlife.